HC Deb 08 April 1976 vol 909 cc302-3W
Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many of the items in the price check scheme represent total production and sales; how many items represent some part of total production and sales; how many are listed on an average weighted basis; what is the total number of items on the list; and what percentage of total family expenditure is represented by each of the items listed above.

Mr. Maclennan

The list of items included in the Price Check Scheme was placed in the Library on 11th February 1976. This indicates those items where trade associations have recommended that the whole of production and sales should be covered by the Scheme, and those where the coverage is partial only. It also shows which items are included on a weighted average basis. It is not possible to give the number of items included in the Scheme because many categories of goods included themselves cover many items: for example it is not possible to estimate how many items are covered by domestic furniture. It is not therefore possible to give an estimate of the percentage of consumer expenditure for each item. The Scheme as a whole covers 15.20 per cent. of consumer expenditure; this figure allows for the Scheme's partial coverage of some items.

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